President Trump’s visit to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Saturday marked a somber yet dignified ceremony honoring six American servicemembers who tragically lost their lives during a covert U.S. operation in the early days of the Iran conflict.
Attending alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff, President Trump was greeted upon his arrival by senior Air Force personnel including Col. Jamil Musa, commander of the 436th Airlift Wing, and Col. Martha “Jeannie” Sasnett, who leads Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations.
The fallen servicemembers identified by the Pentagon include Capt. Cody A. Khork (35), Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens (42), Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor (39), Sgt. Declan J. Coady (20), and Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien (45). Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, also believed to be among the fatalities at age 54, is still awaiting confirmation through a medical examiner’s report.
All six soldiers were part of the 103rd Sustainment Command, based in Des Moines, Iowa. This unit provides essential support services such as food and supplies for U.S. military operations.
Earlier that day, while speaking at a summit with Latin American leaders in Miami, President Trump described their deaths as “a very sad situation.” He underscored their status as “great heroes” who will be remembered accordingly.
The dignified transfer of these soldiers’ remains is a solemn ritual reserved for U.S. commanders-in-chief, emphasizing the somber nature and gravity surrounding such an event. In his first term, President Trump referred to it as one of the toughest duties he faced in office.
Following the ceremony, President Trump was set to return to Mar-a-Lago, marking the conclusion of a solemn journey home for the fallen servicemembers.